Sausalito Has a Bookstore – Again

A chair makes a welcoming sign outside the new bookstore |  photo courtesy of Sausalito Books by the Bay  |  post by Larry Clinton

Sausalito has a long history of great bookstores. The Tides, which opened in 1957, became a model for the concept of bookstore as hangout. Locals spent hours drinking coffee at its tables. It’s successor, Upstart Crow & Co., lasted a few years but eventually succumbed to a one-two combination: the surge of tourism in the late 70s that drove up downtown rents and the boom in chain booksellers.

When Book Passage closed its Sausalito outlet this summer, the town was suddenly without a bookstore to call its own. But Cheryl Popp, a local businesswoman who has been a Sausalito resident for 29 years, stepped up to fill the void.

She took over the empty space at 100 Bay Street on the Sausalito Yacht Harbor Marina, and opened  Sausalito Books by the Bay.

The new bookshop will feature specially curated books for the local community and its many visitors, as well as Sausalito-centric merchandise. Decorative interior décor accessories, table top and high caliber gifts and nautical swag will be available. Gourmet picnics to grab-and-go prepared by local chefs are also planned.

The all new, completely remodeled bookshop will host author events, literary salons, book clubs, writing workshops, a Mother Goose Children’s Story Time and other special events. A Community Supported Bookstore membership program has also been launched which entitles members to discounts and other perks. A number of books featured in our Boatload of Books column will be available.

While there is free parking in front of the store to facilitate access, home delivery of books will also be offered to Sausalito residents.

“Our goal is to really engage the local community—the residents, the local organizations, other merchants—as well as the visitors who flock to Sausalito,” said Ms. Popp, well known for her leadership, community service and involvement in the local area.

The store will be open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. A grand opening celebration is slated for Thursday, October 10, 5-7 p.m., and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local dignitaries.